US defends treatment of suicidal Guantanamo detainee

[JURIST] Government lawyers have defended US treatment of a suicidal Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive] detainee in court papers filed this week, claiming that he is receiving appropriate mental health care and otherwise being treated humanely. Jumah Dossari [Amnesty International case sheet] has made nine suicide attempts since March 2003, including an attempt in front of his lawyer [JURIST report] and another earlier this week [AP report]. His lawyers went to federal court on November 5 to seek a relaxation in his solitary confinement [JURIST report] and more contact with lawyers and relatives. The government filing denies that Dossari's treatment is cruel, and says that Dossari himself has refused medication and exercise breaks. It also says he has watched movies, eaten pizza, and played checkers with interrogators. Joshua Colangelo-Bryan [profile], Dossari's attorney, responded to the claim by saying "The idea of pizza parties and checkers makes me think I should try to find some interrogators for myself. It sounds like a slumber party." Friday's Washington Post has more.

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